FAQ

SecFund is an initiative of the Ministry of Defence that provides early-stage funding to Dutch startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs. The fund focuses on dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications. The fund is managed by the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) in collaboration with ROM Nederland and all regional development agencies. For an overview, click here.

SecFund invests between €150,000 and a maximum of €5 million per company. This capital is intended to help companies develop and scale their dual-use technologies.

Please note: SecFund can only co-invest with private investors on identical terms, aiming to finance up to 50% of the total investment need through SecFund and other public resources. Therefore, the total investment requirement of your company can be greater than 5 million euros.

The fund is operated by the nine regional development agencies united in ROM Nederland. These organizations provide the appropriate guidance and support to the companies who receive funding.  The fund therefore has nationwide coverage. The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) manages the fund on behalf of the regional development agencies.

The following criteria apply to qaulify for funding:

1. The company is a startup, scale-up, or (innovative) SME.
2. The company is developing an innovative dual-use technology.
3. The company's headquarters are legally and physically based in the Netherlands.
4. The funding requirement from SecFund is a maximum of €5 million.
5. The company has no relationship with so-called ‘high-risk countries’. Co-investors, subsidiaries, founders, shareholders, directors, employees, interns, freelancers, or seconded personnel must not be involved in criminal activities or be part of a terrorist organization or appear on sanctions lists.

First, you can perform an investment check to see if you may qualify for funding. If you need assistance in developing your solution, contact the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) or one of the regional development agencies. They can guide you in further developing your technology and business and prepare you for future investment needs.

In addition to funding, SecFund provides access to a broad network of experts and partners. You can receive guidance from the ROMs at every step of the innovation process, from product development to market introduction and scaling.

Yes, you can apply for funding multiple times, as long as you meet the criteria and the technology remains relevant to the innovation needs of Defence.

All relevant information can be found here on the website. You can also visit the website of one of the regional development agencies. They can provide general information and assist you further.

Dual-use solutions are technologies or products that can be used for both civilian and military applications. This means the same technology can contribute to the safety and efficiency of both civilian and defense-related activities.

SecFund follows the current guidelines of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for investing in dual-use technologies:
“Investing in a safe and secure Europe by supporting dual-use products, services, and technologies that benefit both civilian purposes and law enforcement or military applications, with a clear market opportunity.”

The following criteria apply to qaulify for funding:

1. The company is a startup, scale-up, or (innovative) SME.
2. The company is developing an innovative dual-use technology.
3. The company's headquarters are legally and physically based in the Netherlands.
4. The funding requirement from SecFund is a maximum of €5 million.
5. The company has no relationship with so-called ‘high-risk countries’. Co-investors, subsidiaries, founders, shareholders, directors, employees, interns, freelancers, or seconded personnel must not be involved in criminal activities or be part of a terrorist organization or appear on sanctions lists.

The fund is operated by the nine regional development agencies united in ROM Nederland. These organizations provide the appropriate guidance and support to the companies who receive funding.  The fund therefore has nationwide coverage. The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) manages the fund on behalf of the regional development agencies.

The following criteria apply to qaulify for funding:

1. The company is a startup, scale-up, or (innovative) SME.
2. The company is developing an innovative dual-use technology.
3. The company's headquarters are legally and physically based in the Netherlands.
4. The funding requirement from SecFund is a maximum of €5 million.
5. The company has no relationship with so-called ‘high-risk countries’. Co-investors, subsidiaries, founders, shareholders, directors, employees, interns, freelancers, or seconded personnel must not be involved in criminal activities or be part of a terrorist organization or appear on sanctions lists.

In addition to funding, SecFund provides access to a broad network of experts and partners. You can receive guidance from the ROMs at every step of the innovation process, from product development to market introduction and scaling.

SecFund invests between €150,000 and a maximum of €5 million per company. This capital is intended to help companies develop and scale their dual-use technologies.

Please note: SecFund can only co-invest with private investors on identical terms, aiming to finance up to 50% of the total investment need through SecFund and other public resources. Therefore, the total investment requirement of your company can be greater than 5 million euros.

The following criteria apply to qaulify for funding:

1. The company is a startup, scale-up, or (innovative) SME.
2. The company is developing an innovative dual-use technology.
3. The company's headquarters are legally and physically based in the Netherlands.
4. The funding requirement from SecFund is a maximum of €5 million.
5. The company has no relationship with so-called ‘high-risk countries’. Co-investors, subsidiaries, founders, shareholders, directors, employees, interns, freelancers, or seconded personnel must not be involved in criminal activities or be part of a terrorist organization or appear on sanctions lists.

First, you can perform an investment check to see if you may qualify for funding. If you need assistance in developing your solution, contact the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) or one of the regional development agencies. They can guide you in further developing your technology and business and prepare you for future investment needs.

After submitting your application, it will be assessed by a team of experts to determine whether you qualify for funding. This process may take a few weeks. See also ‘The Application and Investment Process Explained in Five Steps.’

In addition to funding, SecFund provides access to a broad network of experts and partners. You can receive guidance from the ROMs at every step of the innovation process, from product development to market introduction and scaling.

Yes, you can apply for funding multiple times, as long as you meet the criteria and the technology remains relevant to the innovation needs of Defence.

All relevant information can be found here on the website. You can also visit the website of one of the regional development agencies. They can provide general information and assist you further.